Despite the fact that most of the posts on Food Junkie Chronicles are about my dining experiences at independent restaurants, it doesn't mean I don't eat at chain restaurants. Frankly speaking, I don't mind eating at a chain restaurant from time to time; I don't have anything against chains and I'm certainly not a food snob. Having said that, I know this may sound incredibly phony right now but there are certain items on Milestones' (Twitter: @MilestonesCa, Facebook: Milestones) regular menu that I absolutely crave at times like their yam frites, California spring salad and their cookie dessert (yes that big, warm double dark chocolate cookie topped with vanilla gelato, caramel and chocolate sauces...queue the drool!)
In any case, I was invited to a preview tasting of Milestones' new Summer Chefs' Menu on Monday, May 13th (and it was a "preview" because their Summer Chefs' Menu was set to launch across all Milestones locations the next day.) This exclusive dinner took place at Milestones' Empress Walk location.
Before dinner, guests had the opportunity to sample a couple of new cocktails created by Milestones' very own staff (both cocktails below can be found under "Milestones' Staff Creations".)
THE MYSTIFIER
Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Smirnoff raspberry Vodka, muddled raspberries, lemonade and soda
CUCUMBER & BASIL MARTINI
Smirnoff Vodka, melon liqueur, cucumber, basil and lime juice
I had a few of these tasty hors d'oeuvres as well:
LAMB SLIDERS
Shredded braised lamb shank mixed with pickled red onions, garlic mayonnaise, pommery mustard and ginger served on garlic toasted mini slider bun.
CHORIZO FRITTERS
Sauté of garlic, thyme, Serrano peppers, shallots, fennel seeds, mozzarella cheese, then double breaded in Panko crumbs. Served with smoked paprika infused aioli and garlic mayonnaise.
Afterwards, we proceeded upstairs where dinner was about to be served. Here is Milestones' Executive Chef Jason Rosso (@jasonrosso) telling us a bit about Milestones' food program and his inspiration for the new Summer Chefs' Menu. Within the past eight months, chef Rosso and his culinary team have created and launched close to15 new menu items with another 10 rolling out in the coming months.
Before I dive into the food, I need to mention that each course that night was paired with a selection of wine courtesy of Constellation Brands.
So here goes! Below is a six course tasting inspired by Milestones' new Summer Chefs' Menu prepared by chef Rosso.
CRISPY QUINOA SHRIMP
Chimmi churri aioli and vegetable slaw
PANKO BLUE CRAB CAKES
Fennel and arugula salad, chipotle aioli
SPICY THAI BASIL STIRFRY
Rice noodles, shrimp and coconut milk
GRILLED JAPANESE TUNA TATAKI
Asparagus and fennel slaw, mandarin dressing
"SURF AND TURF'
A duo of grilled flat iron and lobster fricassee
AVOCADO AND LIME TART
Brown sugar Chantilly
I think it is a giant step forward for chain restaurants, or Milestones in this particular case, to offer seasonal menus. It is a great way to spice things up every once in awhile and to show customers that although Milestones is a chain restaurant, they can still be creative and innovative. As per Milestones' management team, it is the restaurant company's vision to capture the 'independent restaurant experience' while being a 'full service restaurant chain'. I'm sure as a reader of my blog, you will know that our city is filled to the brim with independent restaurants that frequent menu changes (some restaurants change their menus monthly while some go as far as weekly.) Given that Milestones has 50 operations across the country, it is literally impossible for them to replicate that level of menu changes. However, Milestones' dedication to revitalizing menus, operations and the hiring of chef Rosso in assisting and elevating the restaurant's food program is certainly an indication of only good things to come for this popular restaurant.
*Other than the avocado and lime tart, everything in the tasting menu is now available at all Milestones locations. Please note that the portion & presentation of the dishes on my post are not indicative of the actual dishes you will see at Milestones since this was only a tasting*
*This meal was complimentary. The opinions and views expressed on this post are my own*
